NGEC calls for more women and persons with disabilities in Nyamira politics
The Mt Kenya Times 
NGEC Commissioner Caroline Lentupuru urged women to register as voters, join political parties and confidently seek elective positions. Photo/Elizabeth Angira
By Elizabeth Angira
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has challenged women and other special interest groups in Nyamira County to come out and actively participate in elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a women’s engagement forum at Nyamira National Polytechnic, NGEC Commissioner Caroline Lentupuru said the Commission was engaging grassroots communities to identify barriers preventing women, youth, persons with disabilities and older persons from fully participating in elections and leadership.
Lentupuru said women should not limit themselves to the Woman Representative position but should also seek seats in the National Assembly, County Assembly and other elective positions.
She expressed concern that Nyamira had not elected a woman to the National Assembly from any constituency in the 2022 General Election, apart from the Woman Representative.
“We would like to see more women participate in politics in Nyamira County, not only in the National Assembly but also in the County Assembly,” she said.
Lentupuru urged women to register as voters, join political parties and confidently seek elective positions while calling on the community to support women who step forward.
She said NGEC was also working with relevant government agencies to address barriers such as insecurity, gender-based violence, financial constraints and cultural stereotypes that discourage women from participating in politics.
Persons with disabilities seek inclusion
Persons with disabilities also called for greater inclusion in political leadership, saying they should not only be encouraged to vote but also given an opportunity to contest and lead.
Zipporah Ogechi, who spoke during the engagement, urged the community not to look down on persons with disabilities, saying disability should not be a barrier to leadership.
“We also want to be voted for. Do not look down upon us because of our disabilities. We are capable of leading and serving our community,” Ogechi said.
She urged voters to judge candidates based on their abilities and leadership qualities rather than their physical condition.
Ogechi said persons with disabilities have the capacity to contribute to decision-making and should be given equal opportunities to participate in the political process.
Security assurance
Nyamira County Commissioner Benson Leparimarijo assured women and other aspirants that the government would provide a level playing ground for all candidates ahead of the elections.
“We want to give assurance to all our aspirants that we will ensure there is a level playing ground for all of them without favouring anybody or going against anybody,” Leparimarijo said.
He urged women interested in elective positions to come forward confidently, saying no candidate would be allowed to intimidate or pressure another aspirant to step down.
Leparimarijo also called on spouses and families to support women seeking political office instead of placing conditions on their participation.
He urged residents who have not acquired national identity cards to do so and encouraged those with IDs to register as voters to enable them to exercise their democratic rights.
The county commissioner warned against political violence and the recruitment of goons, saying such activities are against the law.
He also called on political leaders and their supporters to exercise tolerance and respect their opponents during the election period.
“Do not be against your opponents. Let the masses decide. The electorate will decide who is best suited to lead them in whichever political position,” he said.
Women cite insecurity and lack of resources
Nyamira County Director of Gender and Social Services Rachel Okong’o urged residents to support women and older persons and help create an environment where women can participate fully in leadership.
She called for an end to divisions among women and encouraged them to support one another.
“We want to change this narrative that women are enemies of their own. Sisters, support us,” Okong’o said.
She identified insecurity and lack of financial resources as some of the major challenges facing women who want to participate in politics.
Okong’o said some women fear for their safety and called on the government to strengthen security measures.
She also said lack of campaign resources remains a major obstacle for women aspirants.
“Another big challenge that we face as women is that we don’t have the resources to support our campaigns. Those who support us should give us funds. If women are supported, we can reach our goals,” she said.
The Commission urged special interest groups to seek elective seats and challenges voters to support inclusive leadership
The three-day NGEC engagement is being held in Meru, Nyamira and Kisii counties, bringing together women, youth, persons with disabilities and older persons to promote inclusive participation in the electoral process and address barriers ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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